The Negev

Due to the small quantities of rain that Fall in the Negev, it is defined as a desert and is barren for most of the year. However there is still so much to see in the region with archaeological sites and nature parks

Late winter and early spring however brings about very pleasant surprises when after a very small amount of rain the Negev becomes covered with an abundance of beautiful flowers.

In particular in years when the rainfall is heavier than usual a profusion of colourful blooms, red, white, pink and yellow cover the dry expanses of the Negev desert in southern Israel . Truly a joy to behold.

A large city in the center of the Beer Sheva valley, also called the Capital of the Negev. It was named after the ancient city which existed in the same place and which was called Beer Sheva due to the covenant made there between Abraham and Abimelech. Beer Sheva was conquered by the I.D.F in 1948 and rapidly developed into a center of industry and commerce, administration and services as well as the main junction serving the whole of the Negev.

City of the Patriachs, Beer Sheva is first mentioned in a description of the wanderings of our forefathers. In its vicinity remnants of ancient settlements from the Chalcolithic period were found.

Situated north of Eilat and South of Beer Sheva in the Negev Desert in Israel is the town of Mitzpe Ramon.

This town is perched on the edge of the Ramon Crater. The Crater is 40 km long and is included in the Ramon Nature reserve together with the Negev Mountains and has become an idyllic place for visitors to the holy land who would like to view the Crater. The area has outstanding air quality, superb landscapes and Star Gazers will find the amazing views of the night sky an absolute delight.

There is an outstanding view of the crater from the observation deck at the visitors center as well as large models depicting the geography and geology of the area that shows details of the Negev craters and the flora and Fauna of the area and includes information about the settlement history.

In the vicinity of the town of Mizpeh Ramon there are zoological gardens with local desert animals, a sizeable sculpture park, an alpaca farm and an archery center. Tourists to the Holy Land and local visitors alike will enjoy the captivating geological phenomena, beautiful nature spots and ancient historical sites.

Avdat National Park is located in the Negev Desert in Israel. This UNESCO World Heritage site has recently been restored and re-opened to the public, after being vandalized in 2009. The principal attraction within the Park is the ancient city of Avdat which was established by the Nabateans on the Spice Route and has been a regular stopping off point for tourists and Christian pilgrims on their way to Eilat during their tour of the Holy Land.

The $2 million restoration plan included refurbishment of the damaged columns of the Byzantine Church and stones that had been shattered, as well as the removal of graffiti that had been scribbled over walls and an altar, as well as on an ancient wine press.

Also included in the rehabilitation program are displays showing what this ancient Nabatean city looked like 2000 years ago and visitors to the site can watch a movie explaining details of the site’s history.

In the third century BCE the city of Avdat was established on the Incense Route along which spices and incense from the Far East were

transported via Petra through the highlands of the Negev desert to the ports along the Mediterranean Sea.

Avdat National Park includes interesting hiking trails enabling visitors to view the wildlife, groves and springs in the area.